We’ve never been more reliant on our wireless connections. Whether we’re streaming the latest hit Netflix show on a smart TV, working at home, or blasting baddies with friends in a frantic video game, a fast and reliable home network is a must. As more and more connected devices ramp up the demands on our wireless networks, many legacy setups just can’t keep up. That’s a big problem when entire families are relying on a home’s connectivity. That’s where a WiFi extender comes in.
If your house has dead spots like a downstairs playroom where the internet speed dips, then a WiFi extender could be the ideal solution. Below, you’ll see exactly how these ingenious devices work, and how they improve your Wi-Fi coverage. And when you’re ready to buy, we’ve highlighted the key features so you can get the best product possible.
How does a WiFi range extender work?
After plugging it into a power outlet, a WiFi extender uses a wireless connection or ethernet port to join your existing home WiFi network, just like your smartphone.
Here’s where an extender differs from your average tech. Once it’s connected, the extender takes your WiFi router’s original signal and re-broadcasts it on a different channel, It does so with a different network name, to different parts of your home.
What are the advantages of a WiFi extender?
Boosting your WiFi signal is vital in a busy home with lots of people trying to share the same network. An extender creates a handy access point that leapfrogs your connection to weak links in your online chain.
If your normal wireless router struggles to reach the upstairs bedrooms or your patio, an extender can improve signal strength to cover those dead zones. When you’re watching a movie upstairs or rocking Spotify while you tackle yard work, that extra coverage is a bonus. Plus, if you have gaming consoles in your basement, away from the router, you need a solid internet signal to download your games and play with friends.
Pro tip: A wired connection is always best when playing games online. However, a strong WiFi connection (preferably 5GHz) is just fine for games that aren’t as fast-paced and twitchy.
More devices
Using a WiFi repeater isn’t just about range. When too many people are streaming, playing, and working at once, your internet connection can struggle to keep up. Some extenders broadcast across multiple channels to divide up the workload. That way, more people can connect simultaneously with less buffering.
WiFi extenders are usually simple to install. They often slot right into a power socket, using websites or apps for setup. For instance, once you’ve plugged in the 2.4GHz Netgear EX2700 to an outlet or power adapter, a user-friendly installation assistant does the rest.
What should you look for when buying a WiFi extender?
If you have a home full of eager internet users, a high-end wireless range extender like the Netgear EX8000 Nighthawk X6S is worth the extra cost. This unit can handle up to 1900 Mbps of bandwidth and uses dual bands.
That’s a lot of jargon, but it boils down to a simple fact: you can connect mountains of devices to the Nighthawk and still get a high-speed wireless signal for streaming, gaming, and anything else that requires rock-solid internet connectivity.
The triple-band Nighthawk is a premium option, but most homes will be happy with a more affordable dual-band WiFi extender. A product like the Asus RP-AC55 delivers top-notch wireless coverage across a wide radius with no interruptions. Its smart LED indicators even help you find the extender’s best position in your home.
What about a mesh network?
If you’d like a slicker extender option, consider a mesh system. This futuristic network technology works in the same fundamental way as a conventional extender, but it doesn’t re-broadcast your network on a new channel. Instead, it combines your original connection and extended connection into one seamless network that you can use all around the home.
Your devices don’t need to switch networks with a mesh system, and you can add more extenders any time to zap all of your weak spots. The Google Nest system is one of the best big-brand options. It works smoothly to provide fast, blanket coverage with automatic switching and no headaches.
Adorama stocks the full gamut of WiFi extender hardware, with big brands, every feature, and a huge range of prices. All you need to do is pick your product to enjoy the benefits of a better internet connection.
